Analysts and industry bodies were quick to hail the return of the Gillard Government and the news of acceleration for the regional rollout of the NBN – though BuddeCom’s Paul Budde had some criticisms.
Budde said the majority of the industry had not shied away from sending out clear messages that broadband is an important national economic and social issue. But he said the debate also clearly showed some serious flaws in the NBN plans, including lack of new government policies that would see the development of trans-sector services; and financial explanations and transparency.
He said the Government needs to provide a far more detailed plan and to explain why the NBN went from the initial $6 billion subsidy in 2008 to a $43 billion plan in 2009 while the industry all along had been talking about costs of around $20-25 billion.
He said BuddeCom planned to organise an industry roundtable on the pros and cons of a utilities-based national purpose infrastructure versus one that requires a commercial return.
– Optus director of government and corporate affairs, Maha Krishnapillai, said the carrier welcomed the decision. “While today is an endorsement of the long-term NBN solution, it is also an endorsement of the need for long overdue regulatory reform to improve competition and choice, particularly for those in regional Australia,” he said.
– Intel A/NZ MD Philip Cronin said the company looked forward to working with the Government and NBN Co to “demonstrate the value of ubiquitous, high-speed broadband in health, education, trans-sectoral government services, small business and regional development.”
– The Australian Information Industry Association also welcomed the independents’ decision, and called on the Government to move beyond the rollout to prioritise digital economy issues which it says will be a new focus for the association.
AIIA chief executive Ian Birks called for a digital economy summit to be held with major industry representatives within the first 90 days of the new Government.
– Australian Computer Society CEO Bruce Lakin called on the Government to appoint an IT Minister, covering work currently done in several portfolios, including Finance as well as Stephen Conroy’s Department of Communications, Broadband and the Digital Economy.
“The NBN is fundamental to the development of ICT for the nation and we think we need a specific IT minister,” said Lakin.
